Jesslee Devison

[Jesslee Devison @EmberDevison]

@EmilyTucker110 This is a great point! But I almost feel like part of th eissue is that the popular Canadian artists we do have are really only popular here and not in an international context. If we had more of a music hub, maybe that would change. #POPMUSW22

[Jesslee Devison @EmberDevison]

@cameron_rees__ I agree! Like you mentioned, I do wish that current CanCon regulations promoted smaller artists, as even with the quota we hear music from 10+ years ago on the radio: Fefe Dobson's "Ghost" comes to mind. Without supporting small artists, the quota seems pointless. #POPMUSW22

[Jesslee Devison @EmberDevison]

Promoting Canadian music was and still is needed to ensure the country supports its own music industry. It also allows for a more unique cultural identity which is especially important as globalization intensifies. #POPMUSW22

[Jesslee Devison @EmberDevison]

@eozon246 It does seem like live performances are less common now, at least for larger artists since they might only tour once every two years. That greatly reduces the number of people who can see them, even in large arenas, and then distance and money adds even more barriers. #POPMUSW22

[Jesslee Devison @EmberDevison]

@dchicasduena There's so much to be gained from watching a live performance even if it's different than studio recordings--Mitski's concerts come to mind. It's just different mediums of presenting music, and the performance often enhances the music. #POPMUSW22

[Jesslee Devison @EmberDevison]

The continued use of studio elements like autotune makes live performances more elaborate and challenging for the artist, and runs the risk of audience disappointment because it is unlike the recordings they're used to. #POPMUSW22

[Jesslee Devison @EmberDevison]

The increasing inaccessibility of live performances due to touring only in major urban areas (an issue as globalization has continued) and higher ticket prices may be why for many fans, recordings are the only realistic way of accessing their favourite music. #POPMUSW22

[Jesslee Devison @EmberDevison]

@sljpower0430 Sarah, you make a good point of how prevalent this practice still is! So much of the music we see as classic or the like often has roots in Black culture, and there's still a huge issue today of that continued appropriation. It's almost inherent to the industry. #POPMUSW22

[Jesslee Devison @EmberDevison]

@sljpower0430 I agree Sarah! For the practice to have been so blatant during this time, it's purposeful and disrespectful. Without having a clear definition of cultural appropriation vs. appreciation, it makes it far too easy for black culture to be taken advantage of. #POPMUSW22

[Jesslee Devison @EmberDevison]

Rather than appreciating "schlock" rock's musical value, it's better to understand why this genre was so successful. Appropriation was inherent to the genre and though the practice wasn't started by it, it showed that it was possible to succeed with little work. #POPMUSW22

[Jesslee Devison @EmberDevison]

@eozon246 I agree, it definitely is compelling to an audience! It makes me wonder what his live performances may have been like, I imagine his passion must have been very clear in those situations. #POPMUSW22

[Jesslee Devison @EmberDevison]

@nicolehkr The connection between his breaking voice and "real" emotion is interesting! Purposefully using something often seen as "bad" does make his performance feel more personal or authentic. #POPMUSW22

[Jesslee Devison @EmberDevison]

I believe Ray Charles used a breaking voice in his music to help emphasize emotion, as well as showing the influence gospel music had on his own work. While the breaking voice is subtle, it adds another layer into his music and it likely aided in his musical success. #POPMUSW22

[Jesslee Devison @EmberDevison]

@caitmarieb I definitely agree about how our phones have become a device for nearly everything! It's interesting to think about if we had stayed with dedicated music players instead of combining everything into one device, how might we interact with music instead? #POPMUSW22

[Jesslee Devison @EmberDevison]

@MercerBen_11 I agree, streaming is so convenient! I remember when I first got an mp3 player, having to download all the songs I wanted and just being stuck with them - now most songs are a simple search away. #POPMUSW22

[Jesslee Devison @EmberDevison]

@saradwyer0_0 @eozon246 It's so odd to see physical media being put into the trend cycle when it's been so common up until the last few years. I think there's definitely something to be said about the experience of having physical media, like you said, it's fun sometimes! #POPMUSW22

[Jesslee Devison @EmberDevison]

@PardyAbigail Good point! The Spotify friends feature and collaborative playlists do this as well. We might even consider sharing a song on an IG story to be doing this too, even if no one listens to it because of that post.
#POPMUSW22

[Jesslee Devison @EmberDevison]

The change to paid streaming services and linking these to social media can alter the way we interact with and discuss music. Someone might alter their listening habits to have their Spotify Wrapped look "good" in December instead of risking judgement. #POPMUSW22

[Jesslee Devison @EmberDevison]

@Heather_oliv I agree, there's kind of an accepted bashing of popular music we see a lot because it's "meaningless." While some of the songs do hold meaning, I think we need to ask ourselves if music always needs to have meaning, or is solely entertainment a valid reason to produce music?

[Jesslee Devison @EmberDevison]

@DivyaNachnani @nicolehkr I agree that it's definitely contributed to today's culture and it's a major issue, but I think it's also important to remember that it isn't a new issue. Think of Woodstock and the culture of the 1960s: drug use was normalized for that generation as well.